Dear Neighbors,
As many of you know, tomorrow is Veterans Day. While I am honored to serve in this position, I am even more honored to say thank you to those who serve in our military. Without them, I would not be able to serve in our elected government.
Over the weekend I attended a legislative conference in Dallas, which focused on the founding of our nation and how those principles affect the issues facing us today – including military defense. Our nation was founded by people who believed at their core that war was justifiable when evil men ruled. This group of individuals believed the King of England was acting in an evil manner—infringing upon their rights. So they solemnly united to declare independence and fight a war for the freedoms we enjoy today. These men, our founding fathers, were our nation’s first veterans.
Though we did not begin celebrating Veterans Day until 1954, I know our nation understood and honored the risk these men took. We are still benefiting from their sacrifices today, along with the sacrifice of all those who followed in their footsteps. Please make sure to take time this week to thank a veteran for their selfless sacrifice in serving our great nation.
Judge Makes Ruling in Minnesota’s Sex Offender Program
Late last month, the federal judge overseeing Minnesota’s Sex Offender Program (MSOP) issued an order requiring the Department of Human Services (DHS) to take several remedial actions regarding the program.
The order included the following requirements:
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Risk and treatment phase reevaluations of all MSOP clients (expected to cost between $8.6 million up front with a continued on-going cost of $2.2 annually)
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Ensuring that less restrictive placements are available for persons eligible for a reduction in custody
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Providing transitional assistance for anyone fully discharged
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To petition for the reduction in custody of any client whose reevaluation concludes they meet criteria
To be clear, the Court is not ordering any sex offenders to be released at this time, but it does state that if Minnesota does not comply with the order, the Court may prevent further offenders from being placed in the program.
DHS commissioner Lucinda Jesson has filed a notice of appeal with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, and is seeking an immediate stay of the judge's ruling. I also expect similar action by Attorney General Swanson.
My first priority is protecting Minnesota families, and I will work closely with my colleagues to ensure a safe outcome. We will keep you updated on the court developments moving forward.
Education Hearing on Board of Teaching
Last Thursday, the House Education Finance and Education Innovation Policy Committees held a joint hearing regarding the Minnesota Board of Teaching's lack of compliance with changes to teacher licensure laws passed earlier this year.
With this year’s change in statute, the Board of Teaching is required to adopt new rules to facilitate the licensure of out-of-state educators, or those trained in alternative preparation programs, by January 1, 2016. Because of inaction and lack of urgency, having not even filed for a 60-day public comment period until November 2, the Board of Teaching has made clear it does not expect to make this mandated deadline.
This is disappointing considering the changes that were signed into law this year will greatly benefit greater Minnesota schools that are having a difficult time filing vacant teacher positions.
Last week’s hearing brought some of these issues to light and I am hopeful that the Board of Teaching will begin working to comply with these changes in law that will benefit all Minnesota’s school districts.
State Auditor Uses Public Funds
Last month, the press revealed that State Auditor Rebecca Otto has spent $107,000 of taxpayer money on private attorney fees as she considers suing the state for law change that received broad bi-partisan support this past session. Over 70 percent of the Auditor's budget is supported by fees local units of government pay. So every dollar she uses fighting these law changes is a potential property tax increase for Minnesotans.
The source of the Auditor’s disagreement is a law change this year that allows counties to conduct audits with a private firm instead of through the State Auditor’s office.
Before the new law, 28 counties had the option to hire a certified public accounting (CPA) firm to perform audits, while the rest of the counties went through the state auditor, usually at a higher cost. The provision allows all counties the option of hiring a private CPA firm to do the same job but at a potentially lower cost for taxpayers.
Auditor Otto’s misuse of taxpayer dollars is disappointing to say the least. I will continue to use the means available to address this situation and ensure the Auditor does not continue to abuse taxpayer dollars.
Staying in Touch
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding anything related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
Remember to Honor Veterans - today and every day,
Abigail